Local Government Week is a big deal in Gunnedah Shire, with the council celebrating with a series of events at local facilities.
It’s common knowledge the week, which runs from August 1 to August 7, is designed to showcase the wide variety of work councils do and the ways they support their local communities.
This year Gunnedah embraced the event whole-heartedly with Civic bringing live children’s theatre, The Owls Apprentice, on the Tuesday and events following throughout the week.
The community was invited to meet with councillors and staff representatives as they served up a free breakfast in the Smithurst Theatre courtyard while the Gunnedah Shire Library hosted plenty of activities across the week, including Brain Training, Book Buddies, Knit & Natter, Colour and Chatter and BookEnds Literacy Assist.
On Sunday, The Civic Theatre screened a $10 movie – Pil’s Adventure – an animation about a vagabond girl who disguises herself as a princess to save the rightful heir who is under an evil curse.
Mayor Councillor Jamie Chaffey said it was great news that Local Government Week events could go ahead after a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I am proud of the critical work that our council staff does in Gunnedah and our great villages,” Cr Chaffey said.
“I would like to thank our staff who work tirelessly to support these places, this work has allowed our community to continue to grow and flourish.
“Council is certainly not just about roads, rates and rubbish; we have a number of significant capital works projects in the pipeline including the $14 million Saleyards Precinct Upgrade, the $8 million Water Treatment Plant and the $12 million Koala Sanctuary.
“The 2022‐23 financial year sees the continuation of the substantial and accelerated delivery of capital works totalling $13.8 million, ($47.2 million for 2021-22). The capital expenditure over the next 10 years, by comparison, is estimated at $100 million for the entire 10-year period.
“Our community can also look forward to even bigger and better events in the next year with increased funding for NightQuip, Harvest Festival, Weeks of Speed Street parade, Christmas celebrations and more. Council have been involved in running events such as these to increase community connection and in turn allow our economy to benefit.
“I would like to thank again the staff under the direction of the general manager for the great work that they have achieved in the past year; your resilience has been incredible facing not only COVID restrictions but also record floods.”
